Malaria Vaccine Is Finally Ready For Trials, Eradication Of Malaria Is Now A Reality

Malaria is one of the scourges of the present century and does not seem to disappear. Whenever Mankind has thought that the disease is in control, Malaria returns with double intensity, just like the legendary Phoenix, which arises from the ashes. The disease afflicted even our ancient Mankind. In the present century, Malaria is attributed to the deaths of 5% of the world’s population.

Malaria –The Scourge Of Present Century

It has been almost a century since discovering the Plasmodium parasite, which causes Malaria. In the early seventies, widespread use of anti-malarial like Chloroquine and Sulfa drugs brought the incidence of the disease to a trickle. It seemed that Mankind had finally conquered Malaria. However, this was a myth, and the disease again flared with renewed force. This time the anti-malarial was ineffective since the pathogen had developed resistance. The most dangerous form of Falciparum malaria killed millions in Asia and Sub-Saharan regions in Africa. The realization soon dawned on the scientists that the only alternative to eradicate Malaria was to discover a vaccine.

However, this proved too easily said than done. The search for the elusive malaria vaccine took more than 30 years. Most vaccines are developed by targeting the immune system against proteins produced by bacteria and viruses. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, which is a parasite. However, the Plasmodium parasite has a complicated life history in different hosts, including mosquitoes and humans. It makes the development of a Malaria vaccine a challenging task.

Malaria Vaccine Approved For Trial

This week was celebrated the world over as the week for vaccines. Finally, Mankind has developed the first vaccine for treating Malaria. Recently, the Gavi Board, which is a world body facilitating the development of vaccines, approved a malaria vaccine program for endemic countries across Africa.